Fifty years ago, Jefferson Medical College opened its doors to female students for the first time. Though JMC was late to admit women the college's peers also fell far short of equality at the time-quotas, predominately informal and mostly unspoken, kept the number of female students to about 10 percent nationally. The percentages began to increase only in the early 1970s, when the federal law known as Title IX made several discrimination financially imprudent.

The advances women have made in the past half century give us all reason to celebrate. With the anniversary as a backdrop, JMC has scheduled a year of activities to highlight the achievements of women, while at the same time examining challenges that remain.

The pinnacle of the celebration comes in October with a two-day "50 and Forward" program, which will include presentations by female physicians and leaders of national renown and a celebration reception. A month earlier, the CME program during alumni weekend - open and free to all members of the Jefferson medical community - will focus on women's health.

Please join us in celebrating the contributions women have made to medicine.

Mark L. Tykocinski, MD

Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean, Jefferson Medical College

Browse the contents of 50 and Forward: Celebrating 50 Years of Women at Jefferson Medical College: